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Future Volvo cars will be even safer with Care key, in-car cameras

Committed to safety, Volvo adds features aimed at minimizing risks associated with speeding and drunk driving

Earl Lee on Mar 21, 2019

Volvo, in its never ending innovation aimed at improving the safety of its cars, debuts two key technologies that can help prevent fatalities associated with irresponsible driving. One can expect these features to be part of Volvo’s lineup by 2020

Related: 2019 Volvo XC40 launched in the Philippines with diesel variant

The first safety innovation is in play even before you step inside your car. The Care Key lets you set the speed limit of the vehicle before you step inside the car. It is like a valet mode where you can limit the speed that is attainable by the automobile when in the hands of another driver. Certain scenarios can come to mind as to why Volvo believes that this feature is important. For example, when you lend your car to a new driver, the speed can be limited in order to grant the parent extra peace of mind.

The launch of this new feature is in line with Volvo limiting the top speed of its cars by 2020 to 180km/h. Cementing the Swedish manufacturer’s push to send a strong signal about the dangers of speeding. Volvo is also looking to work with insurance companies to give favorable rates to cover Volvo cars with this feature. This initiative will be carried out worldwide, and will depend on the agreements that are able to be made between the auto company and the insurance companies.

Related: Three avoidable causes of most car accidents

We believe that a car maker has a responsibility to help improve traffic safety. Our recently announced speed limit fits that thinking and the Care Key is another example. Many want to be able to share their car with friends and family, but are unsure about how to make sure they are safe on the road. The Care Key provides one good solution and extra peace of mind.

Håkan Samuelsson
chief executive, Volvo Cars

The second innovation is an array of sensors and cameras around and in the cabin of the car. The system is tasked with mitigating the dangers of intoxicated driving. The cameras and sensors actively monitors the driver’s state, steering input and speed to assess whether the driver is intoxicated.

Upon receiving cues from the driver, such as delayed reaction times, lack of steering input for extended periods of time, eyes closed or off the road for extended periods of time, or weaving in and out of traffic, the system will contact Volvo’s on call assistance service, and in extreme cases, the system can slow down and safely park the car.

With the inclusion of these safety features, Volvo cars continue to get safer and safer, avoiding accidents entirely, and mitigating the risks of questionable driving habits by limiting the human factors.